Steering mount debacle question

[roboto65]

The PO made this monstrosity they also cut the bosses off the inside. What options do I have? I do have another frame to cut the mount off and just weld it to the frame.
Or would it make sense to do this https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep-wrangler-tj-and-lj-suspension-stretch-kit-copy
Or this https://taboocustoms.com/store/TJSteeringboxrustrepair

Thanks

 

[TJRD4]

Throttle down customs (TDK) includes unthreaded spacers for their frame replacements to center the steering gear. They may make them or maybe they can provide a place like McMastercarr for the source.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Oh man, that is hideous.

If you are simply wanting to go back to stock, just cut the mount off at the welds, do the same with your other frame to remove the mount, and weld it on. Since it looks like you have easy access, it should be a piece of cake.

Those mounts are easy to remove. I've done it to reposition the stock mount. Just take your time, and be very careful not to cut into the frame.

Let us know what you decide to do.

 

[mrblaine]

The PO made this monstrosity they also cut the bosses off the inside. What options do I have? I do have another frame to cut the mount off and just weld it to the frame.
Or would it make sense to do this https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep-wrangler-tj-and-lj-suspension-stretch-kit-copy
Or this https://taboocustoms.com/store/TJSteeringboxrustrepair

Thanks

View attachment 704193

View attachment 704194

You have one good bolt sleeve. That is important because it will assist you in lining up the other two pretty easily. That is also a very simple easy repair. Remove the extra stuff since it is all very accessible and not difficult. The overall length of the bolt sleeve is important, but not nearly as critical as having the inside face in the same plane within a few thou. If not, then that distorts the case on the steering gear and bad things can happen.

I can probably dig up sleeves I've removed by hole sawing around them if you want me to look but only if you plan to repair what's there and not replace the whole mess.

So, the process is, holesaw out the two bad ones, prep for weld, bolt the sleeves to the steering gear as centered on the bolts as you can and then slide those through your holes. Use the last bolt to mount the gear using the existing sleeve to line it all up. Weld around the outside of the sleeves, remove the gear and weld around the inside.

That would be my preference since it is easier to line up two sleeves than it is a whole lower frame mount off of that one existing sleeve that is still good.

 

[macleanflood]

Found this with a little googling...

https://www.autorust.com/product/front-steering-box-mount-art-135-l-97-06-tj-wrangler/

-Mac

 

[mrblaine]

Found this with a little googling...

https://www.autorust.com/product/front-steering-box-mount-art-135-l-97-06-tj-wrangler/

-Mac

If those bolt sleeves are even slightly off when you install that, you will just ruin steering gears. They need to be near perfect.

 

[roboto65]

You have one good bolt sleeve. That is important because it will assist you in lining up the other two pretty easily. That is also a very simple easy repair. Remove the extra stuff since it is all very accessible and not difficult. The overall length of the bolt sleeve is important, but not nearly as critical as having the inside face in the same plane within a few thou. If not, then that distorts the case on the steering gear and bad things can happen.

I can probably dig up sleeves I've removed by hole sawing around them if you want me to look but only if you plan to repair what's there and not replace the whole mess.

So, the process is, holesaw out the two bad ones, prep for weld, bolt the sleeves to the steering gear as centered on the bolts as you can and then slide those through your holes. Use the last bolt to mount the gear using the existing sleeve to line it all up. Weld around the outside of the sleeves, remove the gear and weld around the inside.

That would be my preference since it is easier to line up two sleeves than it is a whole lower frame mount off of that one existing sleeve that is still good.

Thanks I appreciate you taking the time to explain that , I had to read it a few times to understand but I got it. If you have some around that would be great save me some time. I will Message you or can call whenever is convenient for you. Thanks again